Kansas State running back Dylan Edwards suffered an ankle injury in the Wildcats’ season-opening matchup after muffing a first-quarter punt that will keep him out for the rest of the game.
The junior, who transferred from Colorado ahead of the 2024 season, was seen with his left ankle taped and working with trainers on the sideline before eventually heading to the locker room for further evaluation, according to the broadcast.
Kansas State RB Dylan Edwards Injured Early in the First Quarter
This isn’t the first time Edwards has faced injury setbacks. Late in the 2024 season, he went down with a leg injury during a game against Cincinnati on November 23. That issue sidelined him for the remainder of the contest and forced him to miss the following week’s game.
Edwards’ muffed punt resulted in a fumble that Iowa State recovered. Luckily for the Wildcats, the Cyclones didn’t capitalize on it.
Kansas State RB Dylan Edwards’ muffed punt is the first turnover of the CFB season 🤯
Edwards began his career at Colorado.
(via @ESPNCFB)pic.twitter.com/PEa63UfEC7
— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) August 23, 2025
Following a short period in the medical tent, he headed to the locker room, as seen in On3 reporter Pete Nakos’s tweet.
Dylan Edwards is now headed to the locker room. https://t.co/wMXBvMC3uJ https://t.co/hZ5xS4ib6a
— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) August 23, 2025
Despite those setbacks, Edwards has quickly proven himself as one of the Big 12’s most explosive backs. In 2024, he appeared in 12 games with six starts, rushing for 546 yards and five touchdowns on just 74 carries.
He also added 133 receiving yards and two scores, earning votes for the Big 12 Offensive Newcomer of the Year. His 7.4 yards per carry ranked first among all Power Four running backs with at least 70 attempts.
During a halftime update on Edwards’ injury, head coach Chris Klieman confirmed, ‘Dylan Edwards is out of the game.’ The announcement sent a wave of concern through Wildcats fans, as Edwards’ absence represents a significant loss for Kansas State’s offensive game plan.
Why This Loss Matters for Kansas State
This wasn’t the first time Edwards had faced injury setbacks. Late in the 2024 season, he suffered a leg injury during a game against Cincinnati on November 23. That issue sidelined him for the remainder of the contest and forced him to miss the following week’s game.
Dylan Edwards is out of the medical tent and has made his way to the training bike.
He limped off the field after a non-contact injury on K-State’s last drive. #KStateFB pic.twitter.com/avhW6eGh5R
— Tejay Cleland (@KWCHTejay) November 17, 2024
Losing Edwards early against Iowa State carries both emotional and tactical weight. The Cyclones boast one of the nation’s top pass defenses, making balance on offense critical. In fact, Iowa State has dominated the series under HC Matt Campbell, winning five of the last seven matchups, including a 29–21 victory last season.
Kansas State hoped Edwards’ versatility, his ability to stretch defenses with both rushing explosiveness and receiving skills, would counter Iowa State’s defensive strength. Instead, the Wildcats were forced to adjust without him almost immediately.
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The severity of Edwards’ ankle injury remains unclear. Trainers moved quickly to secure his ankle before escorting him to the locker room. Given Edwards’ history of lower-body issues, Kansas State fans will be holding their breath for positive news.
The Wildcats are in put into a corner where they will need to lean more heavily on Joe Jackson and DJ Giddens in the backfield. While both are capable, neither brings the same game-breaking potential that Edwards has shown since his transfer from Colorado.
Kansas State’s Week 0 matchup with Iowa State was meant to be a chance for Edwards to showcase his big-game ability on an international stage. Instead, it opened with a concerning injury that could shape the Wildcats’ season.
